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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

People With Untreated Hearing Loss May Be At An Increased Risk Of Depression

Depression is a disorder which affects around 350 million
people on a global scale, according to the World Health Organization WHO. This
mental condition is one of the leading causes of disability in the world, and
is now being seen as a major contributor to the overall global burden of the
disease. (World Health Organization WHO , 2012)

This condition is different from regular mood fluctuations
and has the tendency to become a serious health condition if it becomes severe.
There are a number of reasons which contribute to the development of depression
in an individual, and hearing loss is considered to be one of the contributing
factors.

Hearing Loss And Depression- The Connection

According to the statistics submitted by the National
Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders NIDCD, around 36
million Americans have been reported to suffer from hearing loss. This
comprises around 17% of the adult population of the country, which is an
alarming statistic in itself.

Hearing loss is attributed to being the third chronic health
condition most prevalent in older adults. But statistics show that only 20% of
the individuals, who can benefit from the treatment, actually opt for medical
help. (American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association (ASHA))

Suffering from hearing loss is an individual experience, and
every person responds differently to the condition. Many individuals suffering
from hearing loss are known to experience conditions like depression, anxiety,
frustration, and social isolation. (American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)). The stress of dealing with
the hearing loss, results in depression which might be moderate or severe.

Tinnitus is another type of hearing impairment which causes
ringing in the ears or sounds in the head, which cause great discomfort and
result in depression in an individual. The inability to comprehend and
differentiate the surrounding sounds, proves to be too much stress for many,
and is a causative reason for depression.

Survey Study

A study conducted by the National Council on Aging concluded
the impact of untreated hearing loss on individuals. The survey was conducted
on a sample population of 4000 adults, with hearing loss and without. The
survey results showed significantly high rates of anxiety and depression in
sample individuals who suffered from hearing loss, but did not wear any hearing
aids. Other psychological disorders were also observed in such individuals. (Kochkin & Rogin, 2000)

Views Of Experts

The study proved to be a breakthrough and provided evidence
to the fact that untreated hearing loss can and does lead to dangerous problems
in aging individuals. James Firman, a PhD, shared his views on the results of
this great study and said, “The study actually debunks the myth that the
untreated hearing loss in older persons is a harmless condition.” (Kochkin & Rogin, 2000)

In light of this study, Bridges and Bentler have shared
their views on promoting the use of hearing aids for the effective and timely
treatment of hearing loss conditions. They said, “It is up to the hearing
community to demonstrate that the hearing aids are necessary, not only for the
improved communication, but also for the enhanced sense of well being.” (Kochkin & Rogin, 2000), (A.Bridges & Bentler, 1998)

Hearing loss needs to be treated on a priority basis to
ensure protection from symptoms of depression.

This article is written by: Dr. Lori Trentacoste, head audiologist at Island Better Hearing (www.islandbetterhearing.com) All images and content in this article are the sole property of the LIAHP and Dr. Trentacoste (c) 2015, All rights reserved whereby use of this article or any content references from this article and/or other written products in this blogsite must be done with express permission from Dr. Lori Trentacoste.

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About Me

Lori graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Buffalo in 1986. Lori graduated with her Doctorate in Audiology in 2010 from the Arizona School of Health Sciences. Lori is Board Certified in Audiology (ABA) and has been a part of Island Better Hearing since her dad, Bob Trentacoste, began the Practice back in 1972. Island Better Hearing is one of the oldest family owned and operated audiology and hearing aid dispensing practice in the tri-state area.
Lori has been actively involved in many professional organizations locally and nationally such as the ADA, ASHA, LISHA, ABA, etc. Lori works with other local agencies which includes the County Early Intervention program and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. She is on the Board of Directors for the Hearing Care Group, a local agency of Audiologists/Practice Owners who work to increase consumer awareness to Hearing loss and current trends in hearing aid technology.